Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich: An Imperial Badakhshan Lazurite and Gem-Mounted Plique-à-Jour Enameled Gold Charka . C...

Description

Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich: An Imperial Badakhshan Lazurite and Gem-Mounted Plique-à-Jour Enameled Gold Charka
Carl Hahn, Workmaster Alexander Treiden, St. Petersburg, before 1899, with scratched inventory number 11818
1-1/8 x 2-1/4 x 1-5/8 inches (2.9 x 5.7 x 4.1 cm)
26 grams (gross)

In original C. Hahn presentation case.

PROVENANCE:
Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich (later Nicholas II) bought this charka on March 29, 1890, for 469 rubles;
Empress Maria Feodorovna.


The firm of Carl Hahn was already in business in St. Peterburg by 1873 and had established itself as a leading purveyor of diamonds and diamonds jewelry to the court by the time of Emperor Alexander III. Hahn was responsible for many of the diamond orders and decorations commissioned by the Imperial Cabinet and was known for the excellent jewelry and jeweled objects created by his workmasters Carl Blank and Alexander Treiden, the author of this lot (cf. Betteley, M. and Schimmelpenninck van den Oy, D., Beyond Fabergé, Schiffer Books, Atglen, PA, 2020, pps. 89-102).

The Tsesarevich Nicholas bought this piece on March 29, 1890, presumably as an Easter gift, as Orthodox Easter fell on April 9th (old style) in 1890. The enormous cost of the work, 469 rubles, and the imperial crowned cypher M on the handle seem to indicate that the work was possibly intended as a gift for his mother, Empress Maria Feodorovna.

Heritage Auctions thanks Valentin Skurlov for his assistance with the research of this lot.

Property from an Important Private Collection

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

View all of [Property from an Important Private Collection ]